Motivation in alcoholism : a study of role network pressure as a motivating factor which impels an alcoholic to seek treatment for the disease of alcoholism

Abstract

This study was intended to investigate the effect of a threatened loss of family or employment on an alcoholic’s motivation to seek treatment. It was the combined effort of two second year students at the Maritime School of Social Work, and fulfills, in part, the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Social Work. Data were tested to determine the effect of enduring role network pressure from the spouse or employer of the alcoholic on his motivation to seek treatment. This pressure was exerted in the form of threatened loss of family or of employment. 110 patients from the Alcoholism Unit at the Nova Scotia Hospital were tested. The sample was controlled according to age, sex, marital status and number of previous admissions. Certified or voluntary admission was taken as the criterion of motivation. The chi-square (X[superscript 2]) test for two independent samples was used. The theory was not supported by the data since the results of the test were not significant. Additional theory was postulated to clarify the hypothesis and limitations of the methodology, such as interpretation of medical records, were considered as possible reasons for the nonsignificance of the study. Recommendations for additional research were put forward. These stressed the great need in the area of treatment of alcoholics.